Well this afternoon the Milwaukee Brewers will do something they haven't done in 26 years and that is play a postseason game against the Philadelphia Phillies. I watched the game Sunday when the Brewers and CC Sabathia clinched the wildcard against the Chicago Cubs 3-1 and beat out the New York Mets who lost 4-2 to the Florida Marlins so the Brewers won the wildcard playoff spot by one game on the last day of the season.
It reminded me of the 1982 season when the Brewers and that season's late season pitching acquisition (like Sabathia this year), Don Sutton beat the Baltimore Orioles 10-2 in a game that was a 5-2 game in the bottom of the eighth inning when Brewers leftfielder Ben Oglivie made a sliding catch to help preserve the Brewers lead that day.
The Brewers won the American League East that day by one game over the Orioles. Remember younger fans, the Brewers played in the American League from 1970-1997 and there was no wildcard position in those days.
The September of 1982 and 2008 were eerily similar in that the Brewers entered September with a fairly comfortable 5 or 6 game lead and then started losing ground and had to fight, scratch, claw and avoid a major collapse which they did both years when they sent their newly acquired pitching sensations Sutton in 1982 and CC Sabathia this year to the mound in the final game to save the season and get into the playoffs.
In that 1982 final regular season game Don Sutton beat fellow Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer and the Orioles who had won the previous three games of the four game series that weekend in Baltimore to tie the Brewers on the final day of the regular season. It looked like a major collapse for the Brewers until Sutton and the offense finally secured the game in the 9th inning with five runs to put the game away.
A couple other sidenotes and similarities about the two playoff runs are interesting. Earlier that final week of the 1982 season the Brewers were in Boston and needed a win that became very important in the end. A backup catcher named Ned Yost, yes the very same man who was fired as the Brewers manager this year hit one of the most important and somewhat forgotten home runs in Brewers history. Yost hit a three run homer to beat the Red Sox. The reason the homer turned out to be so important was if he hadn't hit it the Brewers would have likely had to win two games in Baltimore that final weekend and the Orioles and their frenzied fans were charging hard after the Brewers before the Brewers finally pulled it out in the final game to win the division.
Another similarity between the two years was that the Brewers fired their manager to begin the season both years. In 1982 the popular Harvey Kuehn sp? took over for Bob "Buck" Rodgers in May of that year when the Brewers had a losing record. This year of course Ned Yost was fired fairly or unfairly your opinion after putting the Brewers in a great position and interim manager Dale Sveum sp? helped to finish the job and finally get the Brewers back into the postseason.
To sum this up it is a wonderful surprise to see the small market Brewers back in the playoffs. No offense to the high salaried New York Mets and their fans who the media seemed to cover more in losing than they did the Brewers in winning. But that's the way it is with a small market team like the Brewers sometimes and that is why this postseason apperance is so special to me for a team I have been following and attended several games over the last 31 years as a fan.
I think the Phillies will beat the Brewers in the five game series. I hope I'm wrong. CC Sabathia pitches Game 2 and a possible Game 5. The Brewers need the rest of the starting rotation to pitch well along with the bullpen. They also need some timely hitting and and some small ball manufactured runs to go along with Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and thetr power hitters and less strikeouts and leaving men on base as well.
If they do they will have a chance to repeat their 1982 playoff success when they beat the Angels 3-2 in the ALCS. After falling behind two game to none the Brewers won the last three at home to clinch their only pennant led by Cecil Cooper's big 7th inning hit in that game to put the Brewers ahead to stay. In the World Series they played hard but lost to the St Louis Cardinals in 7 games.The Cardinals Hall of Fame reliever Bruce Sutter striking out Gorman Thomas to end the series has stuck in my mind for 26 years. Today FINALLY we will get to see another BREWERS PLAYOFF GAME. Well friends I hope your teams do well if they are in the playoffs. I have three favorites myself in the Brewers, Red Sox and Cubs which could be interesting to watch as the playoffs progress for me but I'm excited and ready to get them all playing today. What a great tripleheader for me today as all thuse teams play and then the other small market surprise the Tampa Bay Rays play the Chicago White Sox starting tommorow.
Best wishes and talk soon friends. Have a great October. It's a wonderful month for sports with the baseball playoffs, football heating up, hockey starting and basketball going back to training camp. There all four sports plus others like NASCAR and soccer to keep most sports fans interested. Well have a great and productive day friends and take care friends. fenfan
Well we're entering the final weekend of this year's regular season of baseball and there are basically 10 teams realistically fighting for 8 spots as of Thursday night and I'll discuss what I like and dislike about each, strictly my opinion. and feel free to comment and disagree.
I thought about writing this blog when I saw the recent Sporting News cover which has a Brady Bunch like picture with eight teams with the title the playoff bunch in the middle. I'll examine the teams in this picture which are the Angels, Rays, Red Sox and White Sox from the American Leadue and the Cubs, Phillies, Dodgers and Mets from the National League. As of Thursday Nighy Sept 25 at 7:30 pm as I write there are a couple other teams who are realistically in this mix, the Twins and the Brewers.
I want to tell you why I like and dislike teams from interest reasons, tradition and the market size of the teams which I think the media favors certain bigger market and more popular teams over others in their discussion of who should be in or will make the playoffs and why I like and dislike this.
First in the American League the teams that are contending or in the playoffs tonight are the Angels, Rays and Red Sox who are in the playoffs and the Twins and White Sox who are fighting for the last playoff spot. I like the Angels and Red Sox because they are big market power teams and have big popularity especially the Red Sox. The American League needs this especially since the Yankees didn't make the playoffs this year love or hate them. Then you have the Twins and White Sox fighting for the playoffs and they both have solid baseball traditions especially in the Midwest. Finally the Rays of Tampa Bay are a great small market success story that should win the AL East and after 10 losing seasons they have finally made the playoffs and whether Tampa loves them attendance wise they are a great story and are trying to add to championship success in the Tampa area this decade along with titles for the football Buccaneers and the hockey Lightning. It's neat to see Tampa have success in this way..
Next in the National League, the Cubs and Dodgers are in and the Phiilies. Mets and Brewers are fighting for the final two playoff spots. The Cubs are a great and sentimental story to many trying to end 100 years without a World Series title since they last won it all in 1908. Wrigley Field what else can you say. The Dodgers are interesting with Joe Torre as their manager and also since they picked up slugger Manny Ramirez at the midseason trading deadline from Boston after he basically tanked it there. Whatever you think Manny is defintely being Manny again and his new address in LA really has suited him well. Could you imagine a Boston LA series and a new sport where they could yell Beat LA and get back at Manny. What a battle that would be. As for the final three spots the Phiillies have a 1 1/2 game lead in the NL East and the Mets and Brewers are tied for the wildcard. How exciting. The Phillies and Mets have a great tradition in the NL East in baseball and the small market Brewers are fighting for respect to try to return to the playoffs for the first time since 1982
It's great to have some great races in baseball especially if a team you like is in it. It's starting to change again but it isn't like my favorite era in my life in baseball from 1979-1993 a fifteen year period when 20 of 26 teams made the playoffs. Yes there were strikes and rising salaries which led to the 1994 strike which canceled the World Series and led to escalating salaries,incompetitive balance faoring big market teams and also the steroid era occured during this time. But I liked this era because all the teams mostly were competitive and the Yankees only made the World Series once in this time period and didn't win a World Series title.
Not to pick on the Yankees but they have 26 World Series titles and more money than any team in baseball. I'd like to see more parity in baseball which is hard without a salary cap.. That being said it was sad to see Yankee Stadium and it's great baseball tradition close this year
Anyway let me know what you think friends and I look forward to your comments as always. Best wishes and have a great and productive days friends. fenfan
This is a blog about Wisconsin teams and what happened this past weekend with the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. And hello to my friend and mentor the fishrmn. I hope this satisfies your craving for Wisconsin sports and a nice win for the Packers Sunday against the Lions.
Aaron Rodgers is playing well and passed for over 200 yards, but the Packers defense blew a 21 point lead before Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense rescued them again and came up big in a 48-25 win over the poor Detroit Lions football team Sunday. It will be much tougher this week as the Packers face the high powered Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on Sunday Night Football. We'll see how good both of those teams are in a big early season matchup. As for that other great Packers ex quarterback Brett Favre he and the New York Jets didn't do as well losing to the New England Patriots 16-10 even without injured Tom Brady
Saturday night the Wisconsin Badgers went out to Fresno, California and beat Fresno State 13-10 in a game that non BCS school Fresno State was calling the biggest game in school history. Meanwhile a few hours away in Los Angeles the number one ranked USC Trojans pummeled another Big Ten school Ohio State 35-3. Going into the game Ohio State was ranked fifth in the country and Wisconsin was ranked 10th. After Wisconsin's win they climbed to 8th and Ohio State fell to 13th in the national rankings making Wisconsin the only Big Ten school currently in the top ten in the country.
Now I'm not an expert who knows all my X and O's about football but I have a few reasons why I like Wisconsin as a football team and would like to see them take on a few of the bigger boys in college football while Ohio State still a very good football team in the Big Ten an country is a little overrated as a national power. They proved that Saturday night against USC and getting blown out in the last two national championship games. I'm also not talking about Ohio State being a power in the Big Ten. Yes they can beat Michigan and Wisconsin and others, but how did they get to the national championship game last year after losing in conference to Illinois. There is a flaw in the BCS system there without a playoff..
Now call me crazy but these are a few of the resons I like Wisconsin and think they would have given USC a better game even if they didn't beat them which they could if they had excellent execution and USC made a few mistakes or turnovers like they did when they lost to Stanford in the LA Colliseum last year.
The Wisconsin Badgers are a team that starting with former coach and now athletic director Barry Alvarez and current head coach Bret Bilema sp? have been a ball control running offense with short passes and a bend but dont break defense which tries to minimize a lot of yardage especially as a tem gets closer to the goal line in the red zone which is the 20 yard line to the goal line.
Now I know the Badgers don't have as much speed or talent as USC so they have to try to shorten the field and control the clock. Teams like Ohio State and Michigan have tried to play with USC in a high firepower offense and have gotten burned by teams with more explosive talent like USC. I think that is one of the reasons the slower and more methodical Big Ten teams have had trouble winning out of conference especially against national powers.
But a program like Wisconsin has found a way to make that slower game work to their advantage by contolling the clock with mostly the run and short passes and not turning the ballover a lot. The bend but don't break defense has kept them in a lot of games as well. Instead of playing and trying to match USC as a high powered football team which I think Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois last year in the Rose Bowl and others have, I think Wisconsin by playing to their strengths while still outmatched in someways could have a better chance with a strength and finesse game to better comete with the USC's and other national powers.
There have been different players obviously but look at Wisconsin's postseason success the last 15 years or so under the Barry Alvarez program. Three Rose Bowls all wins, three victories over UCLA including twie in the Rose Bowl game which is UCLA's home stadium. Also victories over SEC teams Auburn and Arkansas and a victory over BIG 12 team Colorado among others. Plus Wisconsin and their fans travel very well with their support. They basically took over the Rose Bowl stadium at what was UCLA's home field. In the Rose Bowl the last 30 years or so, the rest of the Big Ten has a few victories by Michigan and Ohio State. one by Penn State and Michigan State and losses by Illinois, Iowa, Purdue and Northwestern. Minnesota and Indiana haven't been to the Rose Bowl for decades.
Now I'm not saying Wisconsin is going to win the national championship necessarily. But I do think they have a program that has shown that they can compete on a national level regularly. They are also currently the only Big Ten team ranked in the Top 10 after Ohio State's loss. I would just like to see them play a more difficult nonconference schedule with at leat one top power caliber opponent from the Pac10, SEC or Big 12 which no offense to the Eastern schools in the Big East and ACC which have some pretty good teams too, are probably the best BCS conferences along with the Big Ten. That way I think we can determine a litlle better where Wisconsin stands nationally along with what they have accomplished. so far. At least we could say they've played someone big nffense with respect to the great victory over Fresno State this year.
Anyway those are my thoughts as someone who has watched Wisconsin football and other college football as well. Although there is so much college football to digest that anyone with more experience could tell me otherwise. That is just my opinion from my little corner of the world watching a lot of Badgers and Big Ten Footballalthough I watch nationally as well to an extent and of course I want my opinions to be broader so let me know what you think ok friends.
Finally the Milwaukee Brewers have struggled lately in losing 11 of 14 games in September and are now currently tied with the Philadelphia Phillies having blown their lead in the wildcard temporarily. They have also fired their manager Ned Yost who led them this far to an 83-67 record to shake things up for this still young and inexperienced team who is trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 1982. We'll see what happens but ultimately the players play the game and new interim manager and former Brewers player Dale Sweum sp? will take some of the blame as the manager along with Brewers GM Doug Melvin. Good luck to the Brewers.
Take care and talk soon friends. Have a great and productive day and best wishes always. fenfan
Just a short comment to say I think it would be wrong for the official scorer or major league baseball to change Milwaukee Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia's controversial one hitter to a no hitter after the fact even if tape showed it looked like an error. Nobody knows what would have happened if it had been called an error. The next batter might have hit a home run. Things can change in an instant in a baseball game even if the facts later show the no hitter would have been accomplished if the call were different. Secondly by awarding someone a no hitter there would be no joy and celebration of jumping around after the accomplishment. I remember something like this happened at the Indianapolis 500 in 1981 where Bobby Unser won the race, had it taken away from him the next day for a controversial pass by Mario Andretti and then several weeks later the victory was rehanded back to Bobby Unser after a court ruling. I hope that doesn't happen here with major league baseball.
I'm personally a Milwaukee Brewers fan and I've waited over 20 years to see another no hitter since Juan Nieves pitched the Brewers only no hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in 1987. Whenever it happens again I want to see it done the right way on the field with the celebration after and not days or weeks later in a judgement ruling.
CC Sabathia was the only one not really upset on the Brewers team and management who filed a protest with major league baseball to change the call. The official scorer has a tough enough job and everyone should respect his decision, because changing it won't bring back the spontaneous joy of the moment.
That's my opinion friends. Let me know what you think and we'll talk soon again. Best wishes and have a great and productive day. fenfan
Well were almost at the end of August and before football season starts and the kids head back to school I wanted to talk about the wildcard race in baseball and one of my favorite teams the Milwaukee Brewers and also I wanted to say a few of my own closing thoughts on the just completed Olympic games.
First the Brewers who are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in 26 seasons since 1982 and who are currently leading the St Louis Cardinals by 3 1/2 games in the wildcard race while trailing the Chicago Cubs by 5 games in the National League Central Race. Now while I wish the Brewers were playing as well as the league leading best record in baseball Cubs I'm also kind of glad the Brewers are in the position they are in now as the wildcard leader.
First off the Brewers haven't made the playoffs in 26 years so any playoff position would be great for the franchise and fans especially since Milwaukee is a small market and these opportunities don't come along that often in baseball without a salary cap. Second with the way baseball is set up now a team doesn't always need to win the division and has the wildcard to fall back on if their record is good enough. If baseball went by the best records in the league it would be Chicago, Milwaukee, St Louis and the New York Mets and the National League West Leader the Arizona Diamonbacks would be left out of the playoffs.
But at least we have a wildcard and a lot of times they are the hotter team playing better heading into the playoffs and several times such as the Florida Marlins twice, the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and the Angels in 2002 went on to win the World Series. And last year the Colorado Rockies won 21 of 22 to get to the World Series and this year they have a losing record.
So the moment is fleeting and a small market team like the Brewers especially has to strike while the iron is hot and they currently have star pitchers CC Sabathia acquired in a midseason trade and Ben Sheets who they wil both probably lose at the end of the season in free agency.
So the Brewers should go for it now and they are. The next couple nights they play their final two games with St Louis their nearest wildcard challenger and could start to put them further back if they sweep them. The Brewers also have six games left in September to try to catch the Cubs, but they don't need to as long as they hold off the Cardinals and the rest of the wildcard contenders.
A division title and the best record like the Cubs currently have is nice, but it won't mean a thing other than home field advantage in the National League playoffs. History shows you can see the Atlanta Braves won 15 division titles and went to 4 World Series in the 1990s and 2000s but won only one World Series in 1995 while their division competitor the Florida Marlins have had two playoff appearances via the wildcard, no division titles and two world championships in 1997 and 2003. And just ask the Cubs how the Marlins beat them in Chicago in Game 6 and 7 to get to the 2003 World Series.
So as you can see division titles and home field advantage aren't always the most important thing. Just getting to the playoffs and being the hotter team is even nicer. That division title t shirt and cap looks nice for a week or so but without the pennant or World Series victory it means less.
I'm personally pulling for both the Brewers and Cubs as I grew up in Milwaukee and have always liked the Cubs before the Brewers went to the National League in 1998 and made the rivals with the Cubs. So we'll see what happens as we head into the final month of the pennant race in Septemner.
Finally a few closing thoughts about the just completed Olympics games in Bejing, China which for the most part went remarkably well as far as the action and presentation of the games. Yes there was a terrible tragedy with the shooting death of the in laws of the USA mens volleyball coach and China has some human rights issues but we'll leave that to political talk.
But as far as presentation of the games which was excellent and the action from Michael Phelps 8 gold medals, Usain Bolt's 3 gold medals in track and the USA men's and women's basketball golds among many others. It was a succesful Olympic Games and one of the better ones in history. We'll look forward to future Olympics but China was definiely a unique and memorable games. I wish baseball and softball weren't being cut from the games and hope they return in the future. I'd also like to see golf and bowling added. If you can think of any other sports you'd like to see let me know. The Olympics has it's stars for sure but it's also about the common athlete in sports like archery, badmitton and water polo among others. The Olympics is their time to shine like when I watched a German weightlifter lift a world record of pounds over his head. Truly amazing. Anyway it's fun to watch these Olympic games every two to four years as they split the Winter and Summer Games every two years now.
Take care and best wishes friends and have a great and productive day always. fenfan
Well it's been an interesting week in sports since we last talked. Michael Phelps won his amazing eight gold medals in swimming at the Olympics and I got to go to a baseball game among other things.
I saw the Texas Rangers play the Tampa Bay Rays in Arlington, Texas on Friday night August 15th. It was pleasantly cool for Texas weather in the 80s with a nice breeze cooled down by some rain in the area. We sat in the third deck high right behind home plate with some free tickets we got from an online promtion for the All Star Game. Even though it was fairly high though it was great baseball viewing. The Rays beat the Rangers 7-0 to continue their amazing season in first place in the AL East. Matt Garza the Rays starter pitched a complete game two hit shutout with one first inning walk. Garza had a no hitter for 5 2/3 innings and should have had one longer than that as Ian Kinsler the Rangers second baseman hit a bloop single to center that was dropped by the Rays center fielder and should have been caught. I believe it should have been an error and Major League Baseball should make a notation and correction to give Matt Garza a one hitter insted of two. Garza pounded his glove on the ground as he saw what should have been called an error. Anyway it was a fun game and night at the ballpark and I'm happy if I can make at least one pro, college or high school game a year.
As for the other sports action what can you say about the amazing Michael Phelps and his eight swimming gold medals. It's truly a great accomplishment and it's been a good Olympic Games in Bejing, China so far. Ratings are up, the Americans have the most overall medals so far and the Chinese have the most golds in their home country. It's been pretty good action so far and it's fun to watch the sports and athletes you don't normally watch as often as well.
Back in the United States pro and college football are getting closer as September and the pennant races are heating up as well. Best of luck to all your different teams. Well take care and best wishes friends. Talk soon and have a great and productive day. fenfan
Well it's July 31st the trading deadline in baseball, the early stages of NFL training camps on and off the field. What will Brett Favre do? And the pennant race excitement now has two months to go. So where do we start on this exciting eventful day in sports?
How about Manny Ramirez who finally got his ticket out of Boston in a three way trade between the Red Sox, Dodgers and Pirates. The main other player in the deal leftfieder Jason Bay formerly of the Pirates will take over for Manny Ramirez in Boston. Now Jason Bay a talented hitter himself will never be the superstar Manny on or off the field. While Manny's bat won't be equaled neither will his off the field outbursts and maybe that's finally a good thing for all the parties and teams involved and we'll see how his attitude carries out in Los Angeles for Dodgers manager Joe Torre. I'm sure the home runs will be flying out of Chavez Ravine at Dodger Stadium.. We'll see what happens.
As for Brett Favre and the Packers or whoever he ends up playing for if he plays or will he take the 20 million dollar offer NOT to PLAY FOR THE PACKERS. Are they that threatened by the 38 year old quarterback going to the rival Bears or Vikings? Remember former Super Bowl champion quarterback Jim Mc Mahon ended his career backing up Brett Favre when the Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996. So wouldn't it be interesting to see Favre to the the chagrin of Packers fans end his career as a Bear. Or how about Minnesota and the Purple People. Remember Favre rarely plays well at the Metrodome or loud domes and artificial turf. So unless they're going to blow off the roof there I don't know how well that would go either. Finally I don't know how this helps new starting quaterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers who are coming off a NFC Championship Game performance last year. Besides Favre starting running back Ryan Grant is a holdout. Team chemistry is a delicate thing and we'll see how the Packers handle it in next few weeks and months no matter what happens with Brett Favre.
It should be interesting as the Red Sox go on without Manny Ramirez as well. Another legend Ken Griffey Jr who has been often injured in recent years, still has over 600 home runs and a Hall of Fame career to be. And on this July 31st he was traded from the Cincinatti Reds where he has been injured often and somewhat of a disappointment for the small market Reds since being traded there from Seattle in 2000. So now he lands in Chicago with the White Sox where he will be a role player with a more talented team. Whether he plays the outfield, first base or designated hitter in the American League, Griffey will add some productive play and leadership as the White Sox hope to match their 2005 World Series Championship success. Good luck Ken and we'll see what happens for you and the White Sox.
Finally one of my favorite teams, the Brewers lost to another team I like the Cubs except when they play the Brewers. Imagine what that's like liking two teams in the same division, but I liked both teams before the Brewers moved into the National League in 1998. Despite being swept by the Cubs, the Brewers still have a pretty good team and if they can remember last years collapse and learn from experience after losing the lead in the division to help get them through the last couple months this year. It will be tough but the Brewers have a fairly easy schedule according to the experts. If they can get through that and nobody is really easy to play in a peenant race then maybe the young and relatively inexperienced Brewers will have a chance to reach and make their goal of the playoffs. These days they don't have to win the division with the wildcard. That won't be easy either though. Good luck Brewers!! Also good luck to the Red Sox and Manny Ramirez as they part ways. Good luck to Brett Favre and the Packers and whatever team he plays for unless he wants to accept the 20 million dollars to stay retired. For any of the rest of us the money while bringing changes would be a pretty easy decision to take for most of us. But superstar athletes and entertainers like Brett Favre are like kings so it's like being Manny or Brett Favre means almost play money to them in a world where a lot of us are looking for jobs and at $4.00 gas prices. Pass the buck and throw the letovers to the fans who watch and support you. If only it were that simple.
Anyway before I get off track any further, it's been an interesting day and period in this time of sports. But without it we wouldn't be here writing or talking about much interesting. But sports is always changing and interesting and for that even though we don't know what is next we are thankful because we have something we are passionate about to follow and talk about. And in these uncertain economic times that is a good thing because it gets our mind off real life. We could talk about the election. But that is a topic for another blog site. So have a good evening and best wishes friends and have a great and productive day. Talk soon. fenfan
I've got nothing special to talk about tonight except for some pretty good blogs I've been reading on here and putting my two cents in. From the guy who explained why the Steelers won't be as good this year. I disagree with his opinion but the Steelers have always been consistent and rarely terrible. Consider since Chuck Noll's 1-13 record in 1969 the Steelers have never won fewer than 5 games in a season and they have won 5 Super Bowls. I hope I don't jinx them. I just hope they get their ownership situation figured out. A billionare Stanley Druckenmeier wants to buy the team but I hope they can keep the team in the Rooney family who founded the team and made the Steelers the proud team and organization that they are.
Also tundratrugger brought up some good comments on the Brett Favre situation with the Packers. We all like or admire Brett Favre as a football player and person. As football fans we just wish he would make up his mind about his future and go on with it. I couldn't personally go out on an interception in the NFC Championship Game if I knew I had a good team but that's his decision. Lets just make that decision Brett and get on with the 2008 NFL season.
In baseball I'm excited to see one of my favorite small market teams the Milwaukee Brewers making some big noise in the pennant race again this year. The experience of last year's winning record has helped and so apparently has new acquistion CC Sabathia with a 4-0 record and 3 complete game wins since joining the Brewers. I don't want the Brewers to throw away their future and maybe by signing their core players like Ryan Braun, developing a great farm system under general manager Doug Melvin and getting good draft picks will help the small market Brewers stay competitive in the long run. But in the short term Go For It Brewers and good luck the rest of 2008 and we'll worry about 2009 later. When you think of it that should be every team's philosophy but for a small market team like the Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays it is crical to keep going and keep competive. I wish baseball had a salary cap like the other sports, but with smart management it can be done successfully.
Well I guess I did have some stuff to say tonight about some of my favorite teams. I also enjoyed blogs about the most hated teams in sports and the greatest players to never win a championship. Read those if you get the chance. I always enjoy a good blog and great sports talk and I thank you friends for reading mine. I'm almost to 150 blogs overall now and I hope I keep it interesting for you readers. Take care, best wishes and talk soon friends. Have a great and productive day always friends. fenfan
Well for those of you who didn't catch the end of the All Star Game, the American League won 4-3 in 15 innings in a game that didn't end until after 1:30 am Eastern time. I work evenings, but I was lucky enough to catch the last 4 innings when I got home from work.. Those who have to get up early or can't stay awake aren't usually able to see the end of these games especially the kids and that's unfortunate for young people and watching games and developing sports interest.
Anyway it was the final All Star Game at Yankee Stadium which is being torn down for a brand new and bigger Yankee Stadium. Kind of sad to see one of the classic stadiums being torn down. Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium, Lambeau Field and Yankee Stadium should stand the test of time until they fall apart or implode and then they should be rebuilt. Only half kidding. These stadiums are national treasures for national sports fans and if they can keep a Fenway, Wrigley or Lambeau going why cant they do the same with Yankee Stadium.
I'm sure the new Yankee Stadium or whatever they call it Steinbrenner Field, but it wont be the House that Ruth Built. The naming rights will likely belong to some coroporate sponsor. New isn't always better at least in our memories.
I still have fond memories of the old County Stadium in Milwaukee because that's where I spent over 20 years growing up watching baseball games. Some places like Shea Stadium, the home of the crosstown New York Mets and also in it's last year of operation is less attractive but it has its memories for Mets fans as well. Winning two out of three World Series, the Jets played there and so did the Beatles once as well. So every place has it's special memories to those who went there and that's what you especially think of with a historic place like Yankee Stadium even if you've never been there or don't like the Yankees. You think of the history and all the events that have gone on there since it was first built in 1923 and you'll miss it.
I watched my first All Star Game as a fan when it was played at Yankee Stadium in 1977 and it was neat to see the game played there in the last year of the Stadium. As it turned out every position player and pitchers got to play in the game because of it's length and that's great for the experience for those players and us the fans.
Another big sporting event starts on Thursday across the pond/ the Atlantic Ocean in England. The British Open at Royal Birkdale starts Thursday and for the first time since 1996 Tiger Woods will not be playing in a major as he recovers from knee surgey after his exciting 18 hole playoff win at the US Open in June.
While most golf fans and casual fans look forward to his return, it makes you wonder is the game better off without Tiger in the major tournaments. Probably not except for opposing players who will disagree. But is Tiger Woods bigger than the game of golf or its history? No he's just a huge part of it as he continues to chase Jack Nickalus record of 18 majors. But even Tiger Woods is not bigger than the game of golf. Last year Paddrig Harrington won the British Open in a playoff over Sergio Garcia when Tiger Woods was out of contention.
Believe it or not Tiger Woods doesn't win all the time. It just seems like he should or does. The British Open and the other major golf tournaments and sports were popular with fans long before Tiger Woods and will be long after Tiger Woods leaves. He is just a shining star right now for a lot of reasons mostly because of his enormous talent, his popularity and for his significance in transforming the sport as an African American golfer which he is not the first of his race but he has certaintly brought a lot of new groups of people and interest to the sport and that is a very good thing for the sport of golf and its overall popularity.
That's why Tiger Woods will be missed this weekend and at the PGA Championship next month. But as I said he should be back in the future, hopefully next year and in the meantime the British Open will go on this weekend and should be a great tournament as always or golf and casual fans alike. Just try to remember that it is not the Tiger Woods Open. It just seems like it due to his enormous popularity. By the way I just like to say his name Tiger Woods. It just comes across the page when you say it like a name brand in golf.
Well have a great and productive day friends, best wishes and we'll talk soon again. fenfan
I'm getting into the baseball races and my favorite teams, the Brewers, Red Sox and Cubs as they're all in contention and all have the chance to make the playoffs in the same year for the first time. We'll see and I'll discuss my favorite and most memorable moments.
But first a short paragraph to say I'm officially sick of Brett Favre and the Packers saga to see who can outdo each other and blink first. Go away or get back together. But other than giving the media and us bloggers something to talk about. But What exactly are we talikng about? Exactly until a decision is made it is all talk and rumors and sports talk radio. I've lost some respect for Brett Favre and the Packers, whatever happens. Let Aaron Rodgers have his time and don't make me laugh with talk of Brett Favre as a backup in Green Bay. Seriously how long would that last. At this rate just as long as these rumors. Here today Yesterdays news tommorow. Let history go on Brett and save your legacy. You'll never be a Purple People Eater. Vikings or anyone else. The Packers would be foolish to release you because of his legacy with the team but at the same time they have to make the right decisions for the team. Good luck Packers.
Now onto my favorite baseball teams and memories. It's July and for the first time in a long time all three of my favorite baseball teams are in contention and the thought of them making the postseason brings back some good and not so good memories for me. Maybe it's because it's the week of the ESPY's awards, moments and lists so here goes
First the top 5 great memories with honorable mention for me for my favorite teams the Brewers, Red Sox and Cubs.
1} Red Sox win the World Series for the first time in 86 years in 2004 and a 0-3 hole and comeback against the Yankees to win the AL Pennant. What could beat that!
2} The Brewers win the ALCS in 1982 coming from 0-2 down against the Angels. Has it really been 26 years since the Brewers last postseason appearance? Hopefully that changes soon.
3} The Cubs win the NL East dvision title and first postseason appearance in 39 years in 1984 and the summer of the famous Ryne Sandberg two home run game against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
4} The Carlton Fisk game winning home run in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. It didn't win the World Series for the Red Sox, but other than the Red Sox actually finally winning the World Series in 2004 and 2007 has there been a bigger or more memorable winning moment in Red Sox history? It felt like they won for a night and all time as a great moment even if they didn't end up winning the World Series.that year or for 29 more years.
5] The David Henderson home run off Donnie Moore in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS to put them ahead and start their comeback to win the series against the Angels that year. Finally the Brewers 13 game winning streak and famous Easter Day Sunday comeback against the Rangers in April 1987. Paul Molitor also hit in 39 straight games that summer only behind Pete Rose at 44 games and Joe Dimaggio's 56 game hitting streak in 1941. Will that hitting streak ever be broken along with Ted Williams of the Red Sox .406 batting average that year.
Sorry Cubs fans you weren't included more in the good moments. Maybe this will be the year to change that after 100 years since their last World Series championship.
As for the moments I'll unfortunately never forget.
1) Bill Buckner. It wasn't really your fault, Pitchers Cavin Schiraldi, Bob Stanley and manager John MacNamara take greater blame but his error and the Red Sox one strike from ultimate victory will never be forgotten from Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets.
2) Bruce Sutter and the Cardinals striking out Gorman Thomas of the Brewers to win Game 7 of the 1982 World Series. I've wanted the Brewers to win that Game 7 ever since and 26 years later Brewers fans are still waiting.
3) The Steve Bartman moment and the Cubs 5 outs from going to the World Series against the Marlins in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS. Stop blaming Bartman, give him public forgiveness and let the baseball reasons and Cubs futility to win when it counts take over rational thoughts Cubs fans and stop blowing up helpless baseballs to end curses. Billy goat and black cat curses as well for that matter.
4) Two Yankee Home runs that will live in Red Sox infamy. Bucky Dent in the 1978 AL East playoff game and Aaron Boone in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS . Two tough losses but a comeback after an 0-3 start in the 2004 put away the Curse of the Bambino/ Babe Ruth forever.
5} The Cubs 9 game lead and collapse against the Mets in 1969 and the Brewers 8 1/2 game lead and collapse in the division race against the Cubs last year. As a fan of both teams why did the Brewers have to join the National League and same division as the Cubs but in another way it's made their rivalry more fun to watch.
In conclusion if you've stayed reading with me this long thank you and I'm sorry for being long winded friends... If not I'm sorry for your boredom and I'm just nostalgic about sports memories. My apologies. Anyways as I said earlier I hope this Brett Favre situation blows over so we can get on with life and on to some great football with or without Brett Favre. Believe it or not Green Bay you still have a good team without Mr Favre. Take care, best wishes and talk soon friends. Have a great and productive day. fenfan
Well a big trade has been made in major league baseball and we'll see if it can help one of the smaller market teams in the league, the Milwaukee Brewers to win and finally make the playoffs for the first time in 26 years since 1982.
The Brewers traded four minor leaguers and top prospects to the Cleveland Indians for 2007 Cy Young winner CC Sabathia. The Indians who came within one game of the World Series are struggling in last place this year while the young small market and somewhat financially stapped Brewers are trying to strike while the iron's hot for success in major league baseball without a salary cap especially for small market teams like the Brewers.
Teams like the Brewers have to build within the farm system and a few small trades. When they pick up a big star like CC Sabathia who they very well might lose to free agency along with the other Brewers pitching star Ben Sheets.
So they're going to try to go for postseason success now. Coming off their first winning season (83-79) last year, the Brewers are trying to see if they can take their young hitting talent All Star Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Bill Hall, Corey hart and JJ Hardy and good, young and veteran pitching to see if they can make their first postseason trip since the 1982 World Series.
The Brewers have the longest postseason drought for a team that has won a playoff spot in a 162 game season.The only team with a longer postseason drought is the former Montreal Expos/now Washington Nationals who made their only postseason appearence in the strike shortened 1981 season which doesn't count as much to me in that regard of acheiving success in a full season.
Anyway you know I also like the Red Sox and Cubs who have had their own championship droughts over the years. The Red Sox finally won 2 World Series this decade after 86 years and they'll never have enough to catch the Yankees who have 26 World Series titles. The Cubs are trying to conquer their own demons of 100 years without a World Series title. But one of the differences between those teams and the Brewers and other smaller market teams like the Brewers, Pirates, Royals and another success story this year the Rays is money.
Without a salary cap things are not even financially and the Brewers 26 year playoff drought is almost similar to the Cubs !00 year drought in that regard I think. Milwaukee is a great and underrated major league baseball town. Before the Brewers arrived Milwaukee had the Braves who now of course are in Atlanta. But from 1953-1965 the Braves had the heart of Milwaukee and went to two World Series led by hitter Henry Aaron and Eddie Matthews and pitchers Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette.
The Braves beat the New York Yankees in seven games in 1957 for Milwaukee's only World Series Championship and lost in seven games also to the Yankees in 1958. Then in 1982 the Brewers then in the American League lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. But since St Louis reliever and now Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter struck out Brewers slugger Gorman Thomas to end that series and give the Cardinals the championship, the Brewers haven't been back in the postseason. Now the Brewers can blame the small market imbalance as some teams like the Pirates or Royals have. Or they can embrace and deal with the system and go for postseason success as other small market teams like the Twins and A's have and the small market Colorado Rockies went all the way to the World Series last year and the Florida Marlins once won the World Series with approximately a 60 million dollar patroll in 2003.
So in conclusion postseason success is possible for a small market team like the Brewers. For long term success the Brewers team management has to be a little craftier and kep retooling the minor league system and talent crop of players. And then every once in a while they can bring in a star pitcher like CC Sabathia even it's only for the short term and they might lose him after the season to free agency. But at least they're trying while the iron is hot and see where it goes from there. So Good Luck Brewers and we'll be following your progress and success and I hope the can win along with teams like the Rays for smaller market teams in baseball.
The Brewers aren't guaranteed success with getting CC Sabathia and I think the bullpen is still shaky. Blowing a 5-0 lead in the ninth inning last week at Arizona didn't help confidence, but if they keep working at it maybe they'll find their way and their first postseason appaerance since 1982 whether it be the wildcard which they're currently tied with the Cardinals or the NL Central where they're 4 back of the Cubs at this point.
Take care friends and have a great and productive day. Best wishes and talk soon. fenfan
Well we've almost reached the midway point of the season, actually we have in games played but the All Star Game is next week at the great Yankee Stadium in it's final season.
But on and off the field lately we've had a lot of action going on and there has been no bigger success story so far than the Tampa Bay Rays who have won 50 games and for the first time since 1997 a team other than the Red Sox or Yankees is in first place in the AL East on July 1st. They are a feel good story that gives hope for baseball overall as a sport for all teams no matter what the market size.
I am a spoiled Red Sox fan along with Yankees fans whose teams have won a lot of championships with a lot of money, but I also felt it was somewhat tainted with imbalanced salries and uncompetitive balance without a salary cap. But the game is getting better and more competitive with smart small market teams with good farm systems. Some big market teams throw away money with big salaries and players who turn out to be busts in productivity.
That's what I like about the Boston Red Sox who have a big salary. but also a good farm system in the minor leagues which keeps them competitive longer. Even though I'm a Red Sox fan it's neat to see a small market team like the Tampa Bay Rays with young exciting talent competing successfully with the big boy teams with bigger salaries. Good luck!
Also both on and off the field lately there have been some unpleasant encounters with fighting and incidents. First there was the fighting incident with Coco Crisp of the Red Sox earlier in June when he charged the mound after getting hit against the Tampa Bay Rays in Boston and that got him suspended for 5 games including this weeks Red Sox-Rays series in Tampa
Then there were a couple shoving incidents this past week which both incidentally occured in Houston. One involved now former Houston Astros pitcher Shawn Cicon who was called to the manager's office to discuss his pitching performance. He didn't like what he heard so he shoved the Astros General Manager Ed Wade who gave him the message to report to the skipper's (manager) office to the ground. Now you go to work today and shove your superior or anybody for that matter. Please don't, but if you do you will likely suffer the consequences as Cicon did and he got released by the team.
Now in a similar incident also occuring in Houston during the recent Red Sox-Astros series, Red Sox superstar and All Star leftfielder Manny Ramirez who is quite popular and productive also had a shoving incident. Manny being Manny wanted some extra tickets for friends in Houston and he asked the Red Sox traveling seceretary for about 15 or so tickets. When the traveling secretary couldn't provide the tickets, Ramirez in a fit of unprovoked anger shoved the poor seceretary to the ground. Now a couple things about this. Manny is a big strong athlete and that would be fairly intimidating to the seceratary who is not likely as big or strong as Manny Ramirez the athlete. Also Manny Ramirez is a superstar athlete who has hit over 500 home runs so the matter is quickly dismised, apologies are made and discipline is handled privately behind Red Sox closed doors. All is supposedly forgiven. But what if Ramirez was a .200 hitter or a struggling pitcher like Shawn Cicon..Ramirez deseves some type of punishment or discipline and once again I'm a Red Sox fan. I just don't like to see unpleasant incidents like this occur. The general manager and traveling seceratary were just doing their jobs and didn't deserve to be provoked by men likely twice their size and strength.
In conclusion, fighting, incidents and altercations are always going to part of the game and sports unfortunately. But those who overstep the line should be punished/ discliplined in some way. As for the action on the field such as the Tampa Bay Rays who I started off this post mentioning, congratulations on the good start and good luck in fair and exciting competition the rest of the season. Have a great and productive day and celebrate America and a Happy 4th of July. Hang a flag and remember why it's the greatest country in the world to live in. Best wishes, take care and talk soon friends. fenfan
Today as I write my 141st blog on here over the last two years since starting to write in June 2006, I want to say thank you to all the friendship and support I have gotten from all of you here at foxsportsblogs. There are a lot of you I could mention but I don't want to forget or leave anyone out so I'll just thank all of you for your great support of my blogs and others here in this fine sportswriting community.
This is a wonderful tool for aspiring sportswriters like me and for passionate sports fans also like me who want to vent their opinions and feelings. It gives most of a chance to give our opinions and feel like we are being seen or heard no matter what the national media says about blogging. If you have an opinion and are credible and factual then you are relevant here as a sports blogger.
I do want to give special thanks to a friend of mine on here known as fishrmn because he knows my passion of sports and writing and he found foxsportsblogs for me and thought it would be a good outlet for my sportswriting and passion of sports. Thank you fishrmn!!
As for the timing of this blog I wanted to write it after the NBA Finals because that goes with the timeline of my two year blogging anniversary and it also starts the period of sports which I call Summer Vacation which was the title of one of my first blogs back in June 2006. Summer Vacation is the period of time after the NBA Finals in mid June until regular season football starts in September. During this time I think you should enjoy your summer sports but also take a break and enjoy the summertime and try to relax somewhat and enjoy the things that make life wonderful and important. Yes we all have work and other responsibilities, but summer vacation is also a time to step back and focus on what is truly important in life. We should be doing this all year of course, but for us sports fanatics summer is a time to step back take a breath and get ready before the next full season of sports when football starts in September. So enjoy your summer friends.
Congratulations to Tiger Woods for winning the US Open golf tournament in a 19 hole playoff over 45 year old Rocco Mediate who performed valiantly as an underdog against Tiger and almost won and for Tiger Woods winning his 14th major golf tournament two months after having knee surgery. As great as he is that was a valiant effort and victory as well.
Also congratulations to the Boston Celtics for restorinfg their proud franchise in winning their 17th NBA title. Led by the superstar trio of 10 year Celtic and NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce and first year Celtics Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, the rest of the Celtics and coach Doc Rivers. It was a great finals for the NBA as the Celtics beat their long time nemesis the Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 2.
Finally a short note about New York Mets manager Willie Randolph getting fired at 3:15 am on a West Coast trip. I know the firing had long been rumored because of the Mets struggles and it's New York with the biggest salaries and media market, but it could have been handled a lot better because Willie Randolph is a classy and honorable baseball man and deserved better, but that's my opinion and sports is a cold bottom line business sometimes.
One last thing before I close I want to give my condolonces to the families of long time political commentator Tim Russert of NBC's Meet the Press and also longtime NBC sportscaster Charlie Jones. Both died of heart related problems and will be greatly missed. The presidential election this fall won't be the same without Tim Russert and Charlie Jones was a longtime football announcer back to the days of the 1960's AFL and he also broadcast the Colorado Rockies baseball team as well.
Once again thanks so much for your support and friendship. I always try to give my opinions to the best of my knowledge and what I think and believe. I appreciate your feedback so much as well. Take care and best wishes and we'll talk soon again friends. Have a great and productive day. fenfan
P.S. BREAKING NEWS: ESPN reported that Tiger Woods will be out for the rest of the golf season including the majors the British Open and PGA Tournament. Good luck with your recovery Tiger and we hope to see you at the Masters next April as you continue to pursue Jack Nickalus's record of 18 majors.
It's the NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers which is one of the most popular matchups in sports especially for Celtics and Lakers fans, the media and anyone who is looking back for the 1980's in these finals. You probably won't find it or be disappointed unless you turn on ESPN Classic.
So I thought I'd ask what are your dream finals in different sports? It can be two teams you love but have trouble deciding with or it can be love vs a team you love to hate. Whatever I'm interested in hearing what you have to say. When it's not my team or teams I'm really interested I always dream of different finals matchups I'd like. What are yours? I'll tell you some I would like and why.
Since we're in the NBA finals now I'll start with that. I'm a San Antonio Spurs fan and I grew up in Milwaukee liking the Bucks so while the networks would hate this small market matchup I would find it interesting because both have passionate basketball towns. If you want to throw in the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, 76ers or Mavericks as rivals I have no problem with that.
Next I'll go to the NFL. My favorite team since my childhood in the 1970s has been the Pittsburgh Steelers because they were the best then an continue a standard of excellence on and off the field today. Another class and historic franchise in the NFL is the Green Bay Packers . I have a lot of family and friends in Wisconsin who I have had a friendly rivalry with over this team and I would like to decide it once and for all in a Super Bowl. It almost happened a couple times in the 1990s and there will be no Brett Favre this time but I think America would love this Super Bowl matchup between the Steelers and the Packers. If not I wouldn't mind playing the Dallas Cowboys again. I think their last Super Bowl in the 1990s was the highest rated ever I believe.
In major league baseball you know fenwayfanatic is a Red Sox fan and wouldn't it be neat this fall if they finally played the Chicago Cubs in the World Series and give most of America the dream World Series they want. I might even root for the Cubs since the Red Sox already have a couple championships now. That doesn't mean I wouldn't root for the Red Sox as well. Also if my old hometown Milwaukee Brewers ever got back to the playoffs or World Seriies I would love to see them take on the Red Sox or Yankees. Small vs big market. In the late 1950s they called it Bushville when Henry Aaron's Milwaukee Braves split two World Series with Mickey Mantle's Yankees.
In the NHL Stanley Cup hockey finals we had a dream matchup this year between the Original Six Detroit Red Wings and the upstart Piittsburgh Penguins led by 20 year old superstar Sidney the Kid Crosby. In this years finals I was actually hoping for a matchup between the Dallas Stars who I follow in Texas vs the Pittsburgh Penguins. It would be a reversal of the matchup for me between Dallas and Pittsburgh because in football I like the Steelers over the Cowboys but in hockey I'd like the Stars over the Penguins unless they played the Toronto Maple Leafs who are my favorite team in hockey because they are a Canadian team with one of the biggest hockey traditions but they havent won a Stanley Cup or been to the finals since 1967. Canada vs the United States or Canada vs a Canadian team. Not the greatest for US ratings but Ii want to see matchups where hockey is loved most.
Finally my college matchup would be between the state I grew up in Wisconsin and the state I now live Texas. How about that for a BCS National Championship Game or Final Four Matchup? Two strong athletic programs in a lot of sports. Texas is also good in baseball and Wisconsin has won 6 NCAA hockey championships. Anyway this would be my dream NCAA matchup.
Those are my favorite matchups in sports. So what are yours? Please let me know and we'll discuss them further soon. Take care and best wishes and have a great and productive day friends. Always, fenfan
It's been a busy week in sports with shining moments, championship retirements and a big horse whose Triple Crown dream went down and out.
First the shining moments and how about Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics getting off to a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals at this writing. We all saw him get injured and then make his Larry Bird type return. I forget the year he came back on the court to lead the Celtics to victory. Anyway with the help of Celtics teammate Leon Powe and others the Celtics are off to a good start and coach Phil Jackson of the LA Lakers is getting the frustrations Pat Riley had with the games in Boston in the NBA finals.
Last week the Detroit Red Wings won their fourth Stanley Cup in the last 11 years. The young Pittsburgh Penguins with Sidney Crosby played well in defeat and never gave up, but they were outmatched experience wise in the end. And as I posted here a few weeks ago the Red Wings won in six games and Henrik Zetterberg as I also predicted won the Conn Smythe trophy. Chris Osgood was oustanding in goal for the Red Wings and he helped to send out fellow 43 year old goaltender Dominik Hasek to retirement with another Stanley Cup. Congratulations to Dominik and the Red Wings.
Next on Monday June 9, 2008 for history Ken Griffey Jr became the fifth player in major league baseball history to hit his 600th home run and with all the steroid controversy involving Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and others, it was nice and refreshing to see someone achieve the milestone clean of controversy in this era and it's only too bad Griffey was injured often the last few years or we could have seen him appraoch the numbers of Bonds, Henry Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays.
As I said in the previous paragraph Dominik Hasek retired after being a part of another championship team and on Monday Michael Strahan retied after a great career with the New York Giants and he went out a champion as well and as the all time sack leader. That is great as an athlete and competitor to go out a champion. Athletes in different sports like Bill Russell, John Elway, David Robinson, Ray Bourque and Jerome Bettis have gone out with championship rings in their hands. I couldn't think of a specific baseball player but I'm sure there were manty especially with all the Yankees championships over the years.
Finally Big Brown and his Triple Crown dreams went down at the Belmont and like 11 others before him since 1978 when Affirmed last won a Triple Crown in horse racing, Big Brown came up short and actually finished last in the race. Big Brown was the big favorite to win the race and Triple Crown. He had a cracked hoof but the horse trainers and doctors said he was ok and good shape. There were the tragedies of horses like Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby Barbaro last year and even as far back as the filly Ruffian in the 1970's. Anyway Big Brown's jockey Kent Desormeux sp? pulled up Big Brown in the stretch when it was apparent he wouldn't win so he wouldn't get hurt and there wouldn't be controversy. So what went wrong if he wasn't injured? I think you have to remember Big Brown is a horse and he might not have liked to feel of the track or another horse possibly on that day. It doesn't diminish his performance as a great racehorse. Belmont is a longer track and shows how much credit you have to give past Triple Crown winners like Secretariat who won by 31 lengths at the Belmont in 1973 and the last two Triple Crown winners Seattle Slew in 1977 and Affirmed in 1978. Besides great race horses it also takes some luck and perhaps that's when we'll see a Triple Crown winner again when we least expect it. Until then it's been 30 years and counting for this the longest Triple Crown drought in horse racing.
We'll it's been an exciting and historic week in sports and we'll see what happens next. That's the most exciting part of sports and finally in closing the sports world lost a legendary broadcaster in Jim McKay who was most famous for being a part of the start of ABC's Wide World of Sports in 1961. He also covered several Olympics including the tragic 1972 Munich Olympics was 11 Isreali athletes were killed and McKay sadly said eloquently "They're all gone." He also did several golf tournaments, horse racing and other sporting events. It's sad to see the Jim McKay's of the world die because the under 30 pre cable, pre internet and cell phone crowd of instant gratification don't remember what it was like to grow up with four tv stations and a radio. So all our condolones to Jim McKay's family, friends and colleagues. As for me it's been my pleasure to talk with you as always and we'll talk soon again. Until then best wishes and have a great and productive day friends.
